Back in 2022, linebacker was a massive need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, so it wasn't particularly surprising to see them ink Foyesade Oluokun in free agency. However, they were just getting started. After drafting Trevon Walker first overall, the Jags moved back into the first round and selected Devin Lloyd with the 27th pick. At the time, it looked like the team's brass had found an intriguing linebacker duo, but that hasn't been the case.
Oluokun has been a core contributor, on and off the field, since landing in Jacksonville in 2022. In fact, he got a three-year extension in 2024, so it's fair to say that the Jags hold him in high esteem. On the other hand, Lloyd is set to become a free agent in 2026 because the fifth-year option on his rookie deal wasn't picked up. This raises a couple questions: Why hasn't he gotten an extension? Will he be a Jaguar next year?
While the Jags didn't hesitate to exercise Walker's fifth-year option, they were non-committal about Lloyd's throughout most of the offseason. And while head coach Coen has made positive comments about the former Utah Ute, he also made it clear that he needs to see more of him. This is a long-winded way to say that the Jags don't think he did enough to get his option exercised, let alone earn an extension, and their posture is understandable.
Lloyd went through growing pains as a rookie and was phased out in favor of fellow linebacker Chad Muma. He eventually got back to the starting lineup, but he left a bit to be desired in 2022. The California native has been more consistent the past two years. In fact, he excels at stopping the run, and his 88.0 Pro Football Focus tackling grade was the best in the NFL last season.
On the other hand, Lloyd struggles in coverage, an area where off-linebackers must excel. Couple that with the fact that he has only logged one takeaway since 2023, and it's easy to see why the Jaguars are taking a wait-and-see approach with him.
What can Devin Lloyd do to earn a new contract with the Jaguars?
Nowadays, only the best off-linebackers get top-market contracts. Zach Baun just earned an All-Pro designation and got a deal from the Philadelphia Eagles that pays him an annual salary of $18 million. Fred Warner recently got a new deal as well and makes $21 million per year. The Jacksonville Jaguars won't be giving a contract in that range to Devin Lloyd based on his production the past two years. As a matter of fact, he may need to earn the starting job next to Foye Oluokun first.
2023 fourth-round pick Ventrell Miller stepped in Lloyd's place when he suffered a knee injury and was arguably better. With a new regime in place, both linebackers may be given a chance to compete for the starting job, and Lloyd isn't guaranteed to come out on top. For the sake of the argument, let's say he does. He'll need to then show he's improved in coverage and make a few big plays. And if he comes through, he'll get a long-term contract from either the Jags or another team.
Ultimately, Devin Lloyd remains the same talented player he was coming out of college, but if he wants to earn cash in, he'll need to turn that untapped potential into on-field production.
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